As the UAE forges ahead with its ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, the spotlight increasingly falls on innovative waste management solutions. Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC (CWTME) has emerged as a trailblazer in this space, setting benchmarks in the sustainable treatment of medical and hazardous waste. In a fitting honour to its leadership in medical waste management in the Middle East, it won the Medical Waste Management Best Practice Award at the prestigious Middle East Waste & Recycling Awards (MEWAR) 2024.

 Dr. Jayesh Panchal, General Manager, Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC, attributes this success to the company’s meticulous operation that integrates safety, compliance, and efficiency.

“We see waste not as a problem but as an opportunity,” says Panchal, adding “Our commitment goes beyond managing waste; we aim to create a circular economy where waste is transformed into resources, ensuring sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Emirati company has remained steadfast in its mission to revolutionise waste management, not just as a business endeavour but as a vital contribution to environmental preservation and public health.

A legacy of leadership in best practices Cleanco offers integrated sustainable solutions for municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and medical waste across the Middle East region. “We are committed to addressing our customers’ challenging transitions through innovative solutions that aim to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the environment, and enhance performance efficiency throughout the entire value chain,” he notes.

Collaborating with leading technology providers in waste treatment and waste-to-resources, it aims to tackle the planet’s significant climate crisis.

Cleanco continuously evolves and pioneers new methods in the circular economy by re-engineering its original waste management business. “By integrating sustainable practices, we not only address immediate waste management needs but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and resilience. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that we remain a leader in the waste management industry, driving positive change for a greener future,” he remarks.

“Our focus has always been on innovation and efficiency,” Panchal explains adding “By employing cuttingedge technologies and fostering strategic collaborations with global technology providers, we have ensured that our operations meet high standards.”

Cleanco’s operations are rooted in a profound understanding of the environmental challenges posed by medical waste. Improper disposal of this category of waste can lead to severe public health and environmental risks. With this in mind, the company has initiated solutions that adhere to environmental best practices. It employs state-of-the-art solutions to responsibly manage medical waste. This includes Rotary Kiln Incineration, which treats all kinds of medical waste ensuring complete destruction of contaminants. It ensures compliance with international and national best practices including the stringent guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), EU Best Available Techniques (BAT) and UAE Emission Standards to minimise emissions and environmental impact.

Revolutionising Medical Waste Management

“Our incineration technology represents the gold standard in medical waste treatment,” notes Panchal. “This method not only guarantees safety but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability by significantly reducing emissions.” The system is designed to ensure the complete destruction of medical waste contaminants and operates in compliance with UAE Emission Standards, effectively minimising pollutants and mitigating environmental impacts, he points out.

With a focus on precision and responsibility, Cleanco’s medical waste management seamlessly combines safety, adherence to standards, and streamlined efficiency.

Waste is collected in properly labelled red or yellow bags and yellow bins that are marked with biohazard symbols. Sharps are segregated into heavy-duty polyethylene containers to prevent accidental exposure. The waste is then transported in secure, GPS-equipped vehicles, which are refrigerated to maintain safety during transit. They are registered with the Waste Sector Regulatory Authority ensuring compliance with safety regulations to prevent spills and contamination.

 “Every step of the process is designed with precision,” he explains. Its BOLISATY system integrates waste data, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements for tracking. Engaging stakeholders for responsible disposal.

Cleanco’s efforts extend beyond operational excellence. The company actively engages with healthcare providers to promote awareness about proper medical waste disposal. Training sessions are conducted to educate medical staff on waste segregation, packaging, and disposal techniques.

“Education is a critical part of our mission,” the GM says. The company organises community initiatives that underscore the importance of sustainable waste management. These initiatives range from blood donation drives to breast cancer awareness campaigns, often held in collaboration with local healthcare organisations. One notable example is Cleanco’s partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which exemplifies its commitment to social responsibility. Through these efforts, it emphasises the importance of proper medical waste management to protect public health and the environment.

Challenges and the progress

Speaking about the challenges in medical waste management, Panchal says they come in the form of regulatory compliance, waste characterisation and health and safety concerns. The UAE enforces strict environmental laws, monitored by federal and local agencies like the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi. Cleanco emissions are linked to real-time monitoring systems that provide live data to regulators. “Compliance requires ensuring proper machine maintenance, waste characterisation, and adherence to emission standards,” he explains. These measures are critical as the UAE is reviewing even stricter emission standards to improve air quality and public health. Characterising hazardous waste is another challenge due to its heterogeneous nature. Hazardous waste often reacts unpredictably, necessitating laboratory testing and third-party validation to prevent accidents.

Handling biohazardous waste exposes workers to risks such as needle injuries and toxic fumes generates from the chemicals collected from health care facilities. Cleanco emphasises stringent health and safety protocols, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and OSHAD-compliant practices. “We monitor ambient air, emissions, and groundwater to assess environmental impact and ensure safety,” he explains.

Maintaining high standards in waste management demands significant investment. “From installing monitoring probes to maintaining air pollution control devices, the costs are substantial,” Panchal acknowledges. However, these investments are vital to ensure operational excellence, he adds. Highlighting the exceptional regulatory framework in the UAE, he outlines the evolution of medical waste management in the nation.

“In 2017, a significant regulatory change occurred with the introduction of the UAE's new waste management system, overseen by the Waste Sector Regulatory Authority. This led to the issuance of a public tender to establish a rotary incinerator, recognised as the Best Available Technique worldwide for medical waste treatment. The tender awarded to Cleanco was aimed at creating the UAE emission complaint and EU-compliant facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, which have been operating successfully for over three years.”

The clinical waste management systems in place are highly sustainable, reducing waste significantly and align with the Abu Dhabi's 2040 Waste Master Plan for waste management, showcasing longterm strategic planning.

How does 2025 and beyond look?

Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC has ambitious plans to expand its operations across the MENA region. It is expanding beyond medical and hazardous waste to other waste infrastructure projects. Though the primary focus is currently on GCC countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, the company is open to opportunities in the MENA region through public tenders. “We are constantly re-engineering our processes to maximise resource efficiency and minimise waste. This not only benefits the environment but also creates value for our clients and stakeholders.” It is fostering strategic partnerships with regional holding companies and government bodies, while also investing in talent development for a skilled workforce. The company emphasises its commitment to sustainability, aligning its operation within UAE Environment Vision.

“Our incineration technology represents the gold standard in medical waste treatment. This method not only guarantees safety but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability by significantly reducing emissions.”